On this inspiring theme, the Kindergarten section of Indian Educational School, Kuwait, celebrated its 9th Annual Day, which was a 5-day event, from 17 to 22 February. The tiny tots of IES, Jack and Jill, Mangaf and Bhavans Pearls Nursery gathered to celebrate the Graduation Day of UKG and the Annual Day of LKG for the academic year 2015 – 2016. The colorful event was a treat for the audience who witnessed the tiny tots performing onstage.

The events began with the inaugural speech by Rajni Menon, Supervisor, IES and Bhavans Pearl Nursery, who emphasized the need for the parents and teachers to work in unison for the overall development of the child.

The lighting of the lamp of knowledge was the auspicious event of the evening with the principal Mr. T. Premkumar escorting the Chief Guests and other dignitaries to light the lamp.

Rathi Ravindran, Principal, Jack and Jill Mangaf as well as Lalitha Premkumar, the Vice Principal, Primary and Kindergarten wing, IES, presented the annual report of their institutions. The report highlighted the activities conducted in their respective institutions for the kinesthetic and holistic development of kids, which make Bhavans the most sought-after pre-primary education center in the country.

She stressed the importance of fun filled learning experiences including creative activities like collage, coloring, art, palm printing, vegetable printing, field trips and many more for edutainment and character building.

Rama Sundaramurthy, Special Educator, who was the Chief Guest on 17 February, stressed on the need for parents and teachers to encourage kindergarten children to play more as it helps the little ones discover things for themselves and in the process, they learn. Secondly, she emphasized that intelligence is developed when children learn to process a particular problem and solve it themselves.

Sherly Dennis, the principal, ICSK Junior branch, the Chief Guest on 18 February, mentioned that there is no child born stubborn, bad or good. Parents, teachers and society make them what they are. The role of parents is of the utmost importance in the life of a child. He added that neither academic qualification nor the social status of the parents will make any difference to parenting if the parents do not realize the importance of parenting in a child’s life.

Fr. Lionel Braganza, the principal, Indian English Academy, who was also the Chief Guest on 18 February emphasized that parents need to spend time with their child every day and play an active part in the day to day activities of the child. He said that this provides them a sense of assurance and confidence in children to move on successfully in life, and parents have a duty to participate in their children’s education.

Rajesh C. Nair, the principal, ICSK Amman branch, was the Chief Guest on 20 February. He reiterated that Bhavans is a school that gives importance to character as well as education and parents are lucky to have admitted their children here. He also stressed on the need of the hour - the importance of helping children develop personality and social commitment.

Jayammal Wilson, the principal, Integrated Indian School, who graced the occasion on 21 February, appreciated the efforts put in by the teachers in training the kindergarteners to showcase a fantastic show.

Gangadhar Shirsath, the principal, Indian Community School Khaitan, who adorned the seat of the Chief Guest on the last day, the 22 February, stated that the prime concern of any parent is their child’s education and assured that their children are in safe hands. He added that Bhavans imparts education in a holistic manner to ensure the desired development of the children. For this to happen, he added that the parents must extend their wholehearted support and cooperation.

He went on to state that the parents have to introspect what goals they need to set for their children. Parents are looking at their children with microscopic eyes to monitor their day to day activities and this has to stop. Children, like in the olden days, need to grow up in an atmosphere of privacy which is being encroached upon by overambitious parents.

Lastly, he reiterated that knowledge does not come through advice. Throughout their educational life, children require constant inputs from the parents as well and output must be expected at the end of their academic life and not before.

The tiny tots of IES, Jack and Jill and Pearls Nursery acted and danced on stage, bubbling with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing their talent on the stage.

The theme for the evening was ‘Pearls of Wisdom’, passing on the message of four important virtues that need to be imbibed by the society. On the backdrop of a Carnival Fest, the four virtues of caring and sharing, helping, honesty and respect were presented by the tiny tots of LKG, with a foot tapping Carnival Dance number, skits based on real life situations and action songs with a strong message conveying the need to incorporate good virtues to be responsible citizens of tomorrow.

The students of UKG attired in the graduation gowns received their graduation scrolls from the Chief Guests of the day. They bade farewell to all the teachers of Kindergarten and presented an amusing dance number to the tune of ‘Together we can change the world’, holding aloft balloons printed with picture of ‘White Doves’, resonating the need for peace at home, in the school and in the society.

As the curtains were drawn, the proud parents walked proudly high and conveyed their happiness over the education their children received at IES. The big show of the little ones will remain a fond memory for parents and teachers alike. The glittering function which kept the audience spellbound concluded with the National Anthem of India.